Václav Hladký, Ipswich Town’s first-choice goalkeeper, is eager to extend his contract following an exceptional, albeit somewhat unusual, season in net.
Hladký, whose contract expires in the summer, covered Christian Walton in his first two seasons at the club. However, he took over when Ipswich began their first season back in the Championship since 2019. Walton had sustained a foot injury in preseason.
The 33-year-old hasn’t turned around, and his skill with the ball has been essential to Ipswich’s improbable push for consecutive promotions.
According to Alan Nixon, he will soon receive an offer for a new, long-term contract through his Patreon.
This season, Hladký has started every league minute for Ipswich, keeping 14 clean sheets while also leaving former top scorer Walton in the dust.
After helping to get Ipswich promoted to the Championship the previous season, Walton will be disappointed not to have been a part of the team’s historic season. It is probable that the English goalkeeper will try to move on this summer.
Walton’s contract expires in June, but the Ipswich possess a one-year option that they should exercise to boost the keeper’s summertime market worth.
The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career, and should Ipswich decide to sell, he will have plenty of suitors to choose from after preserving 23 clean sheets in 46 League One outings last season.
Hladký has Premier League ambitions
Hladký is one of Kieran McKenna’s squad’s more experienced alternatives at 33 years old.
The Czech goalkeeper is nevertheless having a great time in his first full season as a starter for the Tractor Boys, though it’s unknown how he’ll adjust should Ipswich get promoted to the Premier League.
But even if it means filling in for a new keeper, Hladký is eager to sign a new deal and realize a longtime dream of playing in the top division, especially with the prospect of Premier League games.
Hladký is a reliable member of McKenna’s squad, and he may even solidify his position as the Premier League’s top goalkeeper the next season, but after such a successful campaign, Ipswich will want to lock down the seasoned stopper.
Walton won’t be short of suitors this summer
Following his League One average of keeping a clean sheet every other game for Ipswich, it was anticipated that Walton would be just as important this season.
But injuries kept that from happening, and with Hladkþ looking at ease with the ball at his feet, Walton doesn’t seem set to take the top spot back.
Walton has a solid reputation in the football league thanks to his championship experience with his former team, Wigan Athletic, as well as his impressive displays from the previous season and his intriguing loan with Blackburn Rovers. Should Ipswich exercise his one-year option in his contract, Walton will fetch a reasonable price.
Luton Town expressed interest in Walton last summer, and because the Hatters may be headed back to the Championship, they may make another move for the goalie.
Hladký has also drawn attention; Celtic is rumored to be interested in the goalkeeper. Ipswich must act quickly to decide on both players or risk losing them both for nothing in the summer.
It makes perfect sense that the Tractor Boys will offer Hladký a new contract, but it would be prudent to void Walton’s extension and try to trade him in the next window.Václav Hladký